New Holden Trax set to be revealed

Holden's new compact SUV will be revealed at the 2016 Geneva motor show in March through GM's European arms Vauxhall and Opel.

The upgraded Trax will be an important model for Holden as it falls behind newer, more advanced baby SUVs including the likes of the popular Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.

The SUV market is growing at an exponential rate in Australia as consumers move away from the traditional small and large sedans and hatches.

The Mokka X - badged Trax in Australia - features a new wing shaped grille and revised LED headlights.

The SUV's overall design gets a more muscular look with a wider, more solid stance.

Its interior draws inspiration from the new Astra small car with a new instrument cluster and the addition of a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen which will run Holden's MyLink infotainment system.

Holden will source one-third of its future range from Opel. Photo: Supplied

The Mokka is expected to feature the same engines as the new Astra - which arrives late in 2016 - including the brand's new 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol which produces 110kW and 230Nm.

There is also the brand's 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine, which might not make it to Australia. Holden's current SUV range is bereft of diesel options, and only offers an oil burning variant in its largest Colorado 7 SUV line-up.

The updated Trax is the next model in line as part of Holden's expanding European-sourced lineup, with the Astra GTC/VXR and Cascada convertible already on sale locally. Holden has said that it will source one-third of its future model range from Opel in the future as it ceases local manufacturing in 2017.

The Vauxhall/Opel Mokka is known as the Trax in Australia. Photo: Supplied

Opel has also said that Holden would have a voice in future European-sourced cars.

Opel member of the board and vice president of communications, Johan Willems said when speaking to Drive at the 2015 Geneva motor show, "I am sure that Holden will play a key role … for the products that are coming there."